Biological and chemical characteristics of allergen preparations from Neisseria (N. meningitidis, N. gonorrhoeae, N. perflava)]

Various methods of isolating allergen fractions from N. meningitidis, N. gonorrhoeae and N. perflava were tested. The biological activity of the preparation was found to depend on the method of its production, which determined its chemical composition. When gonococcal and meningococcal allergens and N. perflava allergen were used in skin tests, cross reactions were observed. Nevertheless, as the intensity and size of skin reaction was much greater when a homologous preparation was administered, it was possible to differentiate the presence of sensitization to a definite microbial species. Electrophoresis in acrylamide gel revealed the heterogeneity of allergen preparations. The ability of the preparation to induce skin reaction was not connected with its serological properties.